- This treatment stops the decay from penetrating deeper in tooth where it will cause a serious infection. This also removes the need for a tooth extraction.
- Composite fillings have white color which is similar to the color of natural teeth so the fillings can blend well with them.
Cases that need cosmetic fillings
- Dental caries.
- Dental cervical abrasion.
- Spaces between teeth.
- Dental trauma (fracture of tooth).
Cosmetic filling procedure at Udental Clinic
Step 1: Anesthetic (optional)
- Depending on each particular case, a local anesthetic shot may be administered to numb the tooth region, increase comfort for the patient throughout the procedure.
Step 2: Removal of decayed tooth tissue
- By using drilling burrs or hand-pieces, the dentist will remove decayed tissue to leave the healthy tooth structure ready for the filling material.
Step 3: Filling
- The specific material used in cosmetic fillings is composite which has stable structure, high strength, non-toxic and the same color as natural teeth.
- The placing of a composite filling requires isolation of the affected tooth; this aims to prevent any interference like moisture in the bonding process of the restoration. For this to occur, adhesives are applied before placing the composite material which will then be hardened under stimulation of special light.
Step 4: Polishing
- Finally, the filling will be polished to finish the dental filling procedure.
Step 5: Follow-up
- When the dental filling procedure is completed, the dentist will discuss how decay can be prevented from recurring underneath or near the filling. These methods will also be useful in preventing decay in other teeth.
- Good oral care practices are necessary, such as brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily, flossing, and using an inter-dental cleaner daily. Fluoride mouth rinses can also be beneficial for patients with a high risk of further decay.
- In case of high risk of dental caries, sealant which is placed over the fissures on molars at the back of the mouth should be done to prevent plaque build-up and decay in the area.
- Follow-up appointments are sometimes required to check the progress of the tooth with the filling and for regular professional cleanings.
INLAY – ONLAY
- When a restoration is too big for a filling but not so seriously damaged that requires a crown, inlay or inlay are preferable. In general, inlay is appropriate if damage is minimal, while onlay will be indicated if more than half of a tooth is damaged (especially one or more sides of molar is destroyed).
- An inlay is similar to a filling as it lies inside the tips (cusp) of the biting surface of the tooth.
- An onlay restores a larger portion of the tooth and it usually covers one or more cusps in order to protect them from fractures.
- There are many materials used for inlay and onlay such as porcelain, gold, metal or composite resins that are bonded directly to the teeth. Among these materials, porcelain (ceramic) is the best choice due to its high strength and extremely cosmetic appearance.
What are the benefits of Inlay / Onlay?
- Inlay or onlay has high durability and adhesive.
- Be an alternative solution to crowns or fillings.
- Inlay or onlay made of porcelain looks like natural tooth and keep color over time.
- No need to grind all cusps of tooth. This is one of the biggest benefits of inlays.
- Saving time and money with only 2 visits within 30-45 minutes/time.
Inlay – onlay procedure at Udental Clinic
Step 1: Preparation
- Removed decayed tissue in the tooth. This may be done under anesthesia or not, depending on each particular case.
- Prepare the cavity to have suitable shape for future inlay / onlay.
- Impression, then temporary filling.
- There will be 2-4 day interval, during which time the dental technician produces the inlay / onlay in lab.
Step 2: Delivery of inlay / onlay
- The inlay / onlay will be tried on the tooth to check the fitness, color, shape and occlusion.
- There may be minor adjustment if needed.
- When it satisfies both the dentist and customer, it will be attached on the tooth with permanent cement.
Cosmetic filling & Inlay – Onlay cases were made at Udental Clinic